The Regulated Health Professions Act (Bill 323) Receives Royal Assent Marking an Important Step Toward the Regulation of Naturopathic Medicine in Nova Scotia

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The Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors (NSAND) is pleased to announce that on
November 9, 2023, the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) received Royal Assent. Under
the Act, Nova Scotia’s naturopathic doctors will become the 22nd regulated health profession in
Nova Scotia and naturopathic medicine will soon be regulated in six provinces and one territory
in Canada.

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Access to primary care in Nova Scotia is a crucial issue for all healthcare providers and Nova
Scotians, and this is an important step in fostering the ongoing growth and modernization of all
regulated health professions while ensuring public safety.

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“On behalf of the NSAND, I would like to thank our provincial government, specifically the
Honorable Tim Houston and the Honorable Michelle Thompson, for their support in regulating
naturopathic medicine in Nova Scotia,” Dr. Teresa Donovan, ND, President of NSAND. “I would
also like to express our gratitude to the representatives at the Department of Health & Wellness
(DHW), the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND), and our dedicated NSAND
team who actively engaged with government throughout the development of this important
legislation. Naturopathic Doctors are well equipped to contribute to improving access to primary
care, and our members are ready and enthusiastic about participating in the continuous efforts
to ensure that every Nova Scotian has access to a primary care provider. This has been a truly
collaborative effort, and we look forward to continuing to work together to support the health
and well-being of Nova Scotians.”

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The RHPA provides the foundation for the standardization of rules and processes for each of the
22 regulated health professions in Nova Scotia, helping to assure that regulations address the
unique requirements of each profession. The NSAND actively engaged with government
throughout the development of this important legislation and will be working with the
Department of Health & Wellness (DHW) to develop the professional regulations for
naturopathic doctors encompassing scope of practice, entry to practice, and licensing
requirements. It is anticipated that this process will take approximately two years.

For further information about the RHPA, please visit https://nslegislature.ca/legislative-
business/bills-statutes/bills/assembly-64-session-1/bill-323 or contact NSAND via our contact form.

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